Telangana Government Entrusts CID to Investigate Saroornagar Kidney Racket
In a significant development, the Telangana government has assigned the Crime Investigation Department (CID) to probe a kidney racket exposed at a private hospital in Saroornagar, on Hyderabad’s outskirts. The decision was announced by Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha on Friday, following alarming revelations from the initial investigation.
The racket, uncovered on January 21 at Alakananda Hospital in Rangareddy district, has led to the arrest of eight accused by Rachakonda police. Special teams are actively pursuing other suspects across multiple states.
Hospital Raided and Sealed
Acting on a tip-off, health officials and police raided Alakananda Hospital on January 21. The hospital, which was operating without authorization, was immediately sealed. During the raid, four individuals—two kidney donors and two recipients—were found on-site. All four, hailing from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, were transferred to Gandhi Hospital for treatment.
Preliminary Investigation Unveils Disturbing Details
Authorities revealed that surgeries were conducted on January 16 by doctors brought in from other states, including Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Agents operating across state lines reportedly connected donors and recipients.
According to the preliminary findings, each donor was paid ₹4 lakh for their kidney, while recipients were charged a staggering ₹50 lakh each.
Committee Constituted for Initial Inquiry
The Telangana Health Department swiftly formed a committee to investigate the racket. The committee, comprising medical experts including Dr. Nagender, Dr. Sadhana, Dr. Mallikarjun, and Dr. Kiranmayi, gathered information from Rangareddy District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) Venkateshwar Rao.
Based on the committee’s preliminary report, Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha recommended handing over the investigation to the CID for a more comprehensive probe.
CID to Lead Investigation
The CID will now delve deeper into the illegal organ transplant network, which reportedly involves a nexus of hospital staff, agents, and doctors lured with financial incentives. The racket highlights the urgent need to address unauthorized medical practices and human trafficking in organ donation.
Stay tuned for further updates as the CID intensifies its investigation into this alarming case.
